N.J. Budget Approved, Shutdown Ends
Casinos Reopen After Lawmakers Approve $30.9B State Budget
-
Play CBS Video Video No Dice For Atlantic City A government shutdown in New Jersey has idled thousands of state and casino employees, and many find it confusing. Sharyn Alfonsi reports from Atlantic City on day two of the lockdown.
-
Video All Bets Off In New Jersey In Atlantic City, a city synonymous with gambling, both the house and the gamblers came up losers on Wednesday. Sharyn Alfonsi reports on how New Jersey's budget impasse has shut down the casinos.
-
Video Atlantic City Closes Casinos Slot machines have fallen silent, dealers have been sent home and all the casinos in Atlantic City, N.J., are closed for the first time ever. Sharyn Alfonsi reports on New Jersey's budget woes.
-
-
Eva Cox-Jones, a slot associate at Borgata Hotel, Casino, & Spa, re-opens slot machines in Atlantic City, N.J., Saturday, July 8, 2006. After a budget was passed by lawmakers in Trenton, the casinos were given the order to re-open early Saturday after a three-day shutdown. (AP Photo)
-
New Jersey Gov. Jon S. Corzine agreed to raise the state sales tax one percent to help end the state government's shut down, which lasted eight days. (AP Photo)
-
The governor acted minutes after lawmakers approved a $30.9 billion state budget that increases the state sales tax, ending the stalemate.
"I now feel comfortable we can begin the orderly restoring of the business of government," Corzine said.
The 12 casinos, which closed Wednesday, got permission to resume business at 7 a.m. On Monday, 45,000 furloughed state workers could return to work, although exact plans were not immediately announced.
Lottery sales resumed Saturday morning, and racetracks were set to reopen later in the day. State parks were to reopen Sunday. All state services were expected to operate as normal by Monday.
The Senate voted 23-17 to approve the budget at 4:20 a.m. The Assembly followed suit at 5:40 a.m., by a 44-35 vote.
©MMVI The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
More From U.S.
Grammy winner Shakira on her music career, philanthropy and being sexy..
